In the bustling streets of Lagos, a simple Google Form transformed into what we now know as Pocketfood. Founded by Omalara Olarerin in August 2022, this story began with a familiar frustration: the daily struggle to find quality lunch options in a demanding corporate environment. What started as an informal "Lunch Lady" service has blossomed into a venture that's catching the eye of major players like the Baobab Network and Aidi 500.
Omalara's mission resonates with anyone who's ever stared at their phone at 1 PM, wondering what to eat: "Life may be hectic, but your meals should not be."
When Pocketfood approached us to explore expansion opportunities in Oyo State and Abuja, we knew we were in for an adventure. This wasn't just about gathering data. It was about understanding the pulse of two distinctly different markets and their unique relationships with food and corporate culture.
Our mission was threefold:
With challenging weeks from October to November 2024, we dove deep into both markets. What was planned as a short move evolved into a longer sprint as we discovered layers of complexity in Abuja's corporate landscape that demanded more attention. Our team logged countless hours, conducting:
Oyo State surprised us with its dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary preferences. In boardrooms and office spaces across the region, we discovered a workforce deeply connected to its culinary roots yet open to innovation.
The numbers tell an interesting story:
What touched us most were the personal stories – like the HR manager who shared how quality lunch programs had transformed their office culture, turning lunch breaks from solitary rushes to community-building moments.
Venturing into Abuja was like opening a new chapter. As first-time researchers in the capital, we were struck by the city's unique energy and sophisticated demands. The corporate landscape here painted a different picture:
The capital's workforce showed a clear preference for variety (53%) and healthy options (45%), reflecting a more health-conscious corporate culture than we initially anticipated.
In both cities, we found vendors with inspiring stories of growth and adaptation. From small family-run operations to sophisticated catering services, each had unique insights into their local markets. The logistics landscape, particularly in Abuja, presented both challenges and opportunities we hadn't foreseen.
This research journey pushed our boundaries in unexpected ways. Entering Abuja's market for the first time was both daunting and exhilarating – every interview, every data point collected felt like breaking new ground. The extension of our timeline, while challenging, proved crucial in delivering the depth of insights Pocketfood needed.
What stands out most is how this data isn't just numbers on a page – it's a roadmap of opportunity. For Pocketfood's team, these insights offer more than market entry points; they provide a deep understanding of two unique markets waiting to be served. The enthusiasm we encountered, particularly in Abuja's corporate sector, suggests that Pocketfood isn't just filling a gap – they're arriving at precisely the right moment.
For Pocketfood, success in these markets will require:
As researchers, we're confident that this data provides Pocketfood with a solid foundation for their marketing strategy. The warmth with which both markets received our inquiries suggests that Pocketfood's mission of simplifying workplace dining resonates deeply with both regions' corporate cultures.
This isn't just about delivering food – it's about understanding and serving communities, one meal at a time. And from what we've seen, both Oyo State and Abuja are hungry for what Pocketfood has to offer.
